Our March trip included more than ministry to children's homes and churches, we visited two prisons. Our prison visit in Guasave was especially unforgettable. The Guasave prison is a maximum security federal prison. After going through many hoops and lots of security checks we were given 3 hours to share the gospel with the men. The men were brought into a confined area and allowed to sit or stand by their chair. behind them lining the wall were 10-12 guards in riot suits heavily armed,
some with an attack dogs. Sitting before us were dangerous criminals, many of them from the MS13 gang, mafia assassins, which was tattooed on their heads. A few of them had become Christians  but there were more than 60 sitting in front of us. This was the first time this new 6 year old prison allowed a group to share at the prison. We seemed to be quite an attraction because the prison employees came to see. Lined up against the wall to our left were nurses, counselors and criminologists and social workers. Even the warden came to see. We did a drama and then shared the gospel that resulted in all of the prisoners in attendance standing to give their lives to Jesus. Wow what a transformation! The warden was so thrilled he invited us to eat lunch with him. Now we have an open door to return next time.

Our November trip to Mexico was one of our best yet. We were blessed with supplies, food and clothing from several bible study groups, individuals and churches. These items we used to help the children at orphanages in Hermosillo and Los Mochis. We had so much fun interacting with the kids there. We told the story of the Good Samaritan through a narrated skit. The kids at the children's home help in the skit by playing a role as the characters of the story. All the kids seemed to understand the meaning of the story. 
   We also spent some quality time encouraging the pastors and leaders in Guasave. The church leaders are doing a great ministry reaching neighboring communities and discipling the church members.  The ladies had a great time doing a woman's conference in Alamito where they did candle making as a craft.

Jeff left for Peru last week and landed in Lima.  From there, he flew to Puerto Maldonado (located close to the Brazilian border) and on to Oceania a couple of hours away.  The plan was to leave Friday on a boat to travel 2-3 days up the river to a community that he had visited in February. On Friday morning it was raining way too hard to leave.  Saturday morning it was noticed that the boat motor wasn't functioning properly and was in need of repair.  On Sunday morning, all excited and boats loaded ( 1 boat was full of supplies), they received notice just before taking off that a flash flood was coming down the river.  1 more day of delay, but praise the Lord they were not in the middle of their trip being hit by the flash flood!!  Monday morning, success!
During the visit in February Jeff, along with some of the natives bushwhacked a 3/4 mile trail through the jungle from the river to the village and built the water purification system. This time returning with all the water pipe plan to connect and have clean water! Please pray for that to be completed and successful. Thanks to all who have supported this work!

This missionary trip to Peru, was an awesome learning experience about the Peruvian culture and need for ministry to people groups in Peru that have never heard the gospel. We are now planning trips to Peru to train native Peruvians to be the missionaries who will reach the tribes in their own country that have never heard the gospel.

Our next trip to Peru is on September 19th. If you would like to JOIN, SUPPORT, or LEARN MORE about this trip and other trips, please view UPCOMING TRIPS.

On this trip we experienced the ministry of Patrick O'Connor (E3 Partners house church Trainer) and Lyle Smith (E3 Partners house church Director of Mexico).

"E3 Partners Ministry, based out of Plano, TX is a worldwide international ministry with the purpose of planting house churches."

They served together with us to teach a two day Leaders/Pastors' Conference on how to plant house churches. We were excited to see the great number of pastors and leaders who attended to learn the strategy for planting house churches. Lyle and Patrick illustrated the different steps of developing house churches through visual and literal examples. It was awesome to see the enthusiasm the attendees displayed. They were excited to receive training in order to be equipped to reach out locally, in other parts of Mexico, and Latin America! After completing the training everyone enjoyed a meal and fellowship together!

We also had the privilege on Sunday to participate in a Baptism Service at the Sinaloa River located outside of Alamito. A big crowd of people came to watch including some non-believers. Twelve people made the decision to further their commitment to following the Lord through public testimony!

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  Proverbs 2:1- 6

This coming November, the day after thanksgiving, we will be making a trip into Mexico to visit some children's homes and provide them with needed supplies. This trip is family friendly, a great opportunity for children to experience giving to those who are less fortunate. There is still room left, so if you want to go register by October 20th.  

Church leaders in Sinaloa Mexico prepare for our up coming leaders training conference. During our conference in May we will begin training leaders in house church planting strategies. We will also start preparing a team of missionaries to go to unreached people groups with the gospel. Please pray for the vision of reaching the unreached to be firmly planted in the hearts of the Mexican people.